The Sherburne American Legion Auxiliary, with the help of the community, has set up 428 flags honoring veterans in Gaines Park. (Photo from the Sherburne American Legion Family Post 876 Facebook page)

SHERBURNE — The Sherburne American Legion Auxiliary is honoring veterans with their annual display of flags set up in Gaines Park in the Village of Sherburne.

Each flag is dedicated to an individual veteran, with a sign that displays their name, branch of service, and war era served, and are chronologically displayed by era and alphabetically by name, beginning with World War I veterans.

The project has grown each year, starting with 88 flags displayed their first year, and 428 flags flown in honor of veterans this year.

The Sherburne American Legion Auxiliary began this project in 2018, after 30-year Auxiliary Member Angela Jones saw similar displays in other areas.

"Serving our veterans has always been near and dear to my heart, so when I saw this display while traveling, I thought what a wonderful idea for the Sherburne community. At the next Auxiliary meeting, I brought the idea to the members who thoroughly embraced the project," Jones explained. "We are so thankful to have such a wonderful Legion family who give wholehearted support for this Auxiliary project."

She said they receive assistance with setting up and taking down the flags each year from the Sherburne American Legion, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Legion Riders, as well as support and assistance from community volunteers.

Additionally, Steel Sales, Inc. donates rebar each year, and Top Variety Hardware Store, Sherburne Electric Department, Sherburne NBT Bank, and Bob Cuffney all assist with the project.

"It truly is the community that makes this project such a success," said Jones.

The flags are put on display on the first Friday in November each year, and remain in Gaines Park for two to three weeks.

Individuals who would like a flag to be flown in honor and recognition of a veteran can contact Jones at 607-674-4501 or 607-222-7093. She said the veterans do not need to be current or former residents of the Village of Sherburne.

The initial flag purchase is $45, and each year the flag is re-flown is $20. New flags must be requested by October 1. All proceeds raised through flag purchases go toward supporting veterans.

"If you are not from Sherburne, please make a trip to see this breathtaking sight. At night when the lights are on the flags and the wind is blowing, it truly is magnificent," said Jones. "This project gives the Sherburne Legion Auxiliary great pride to honor veterans and to say 'thank you' for their service."